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Friday, January 6, 2017

Several herbs are effective for treating not only the symptoms of toomuch winter, but the causes of colds and flu Impaired immunity tovirus/bacteria, maintaining blood circulation and warmth, ensuringvitality of the lungs and reducing the build up of congestion in thebody.

Ginger: Ginger is used for the prevention and treatment of variousforms of nausea. These include motion sickness, the nausea andvomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness), and post-surgical nausea.Note: If you are pregnant or undergoing surgery, do not self-treatwith ginger except under physician supervision. Weak evidencesuggests ginger might be helpful for osteoarthritis. Ginger has beensuggested as a treatment for numerous other conditions, includingatherosclerosis, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, highcholesterol, burns, ulcers, depression, impotence, and livertoxicity. Stops cough and stops vomiting. In traditional Chinesemedicine, hot ginger tea taken at the first sign of a cold isbelieved to offer the possibility of averting the infection.

Elderflower : Elder flowers are highly effective in managing upperrespiratory congestion and infections. Picked from the elder tree inmid to late summer, they seem to capture the dry warmth of this timeof year, perfect for drying up that runny or blocked nose. These tinypale white flowers have a delicate floral taste and containflavonoids and small amounts of mucilage and tannins, a perfectcombination for soothing healing and protecting mucous membranes. Anold tradition was to make fresh Elderflower wine in summer ready todrink in winter Food as medicine?!?

Yarrow: Yarrow's principle action is on the circulation. As the coldof winter slows down and redirects blood circulation, Yarrow dilatesblood vessels allowing increased blood flow, oxygen and warmth tosurface tissues (like the skin and mucous membranes). This enablesthe immune cells to function at their peak, warding off infection andkeeping channels clear and open. The whole flowering tops are used ina tea or other forms in mild fevers or minor congestion wherecirculation is a concern.

Sage: Sage is a most powerful and effective herb for treating sorethroats. The different essential oils in sage exert an antisepticeffect in the respiratory tract and helps to keep both the throat andlungs free of infection. The additional effect of stimulatingdigestion aids to minimise congestion in other parts of the body,making fresh sage a valuable ingredient to winter recipes.

Rose hips : Rose hips form in Autumn following the rose flowers ofsummer. They are the fruit around the rose seed, full of nutrients toprotect the seed during winter until the arrival of spring Let themdo the same for you. As a rich source of Vitamin C and flavonoidsRosehips aid with nourishing you for defense against colds and flu.

Echinacea : First used by the Indigenous North Americans whoharvested the plants for extensive use in the treatment of infectiouswounds and burns or eruptive skin complaints. It enhances thephagocytic activity of white blood cells- identifying and retiringbacterial, viral and fungal infections, in addition to the clearanceof these from the lymphatic system. Higher doses are often used foraffecting acute immune responses.

Mullein : The leaves of Mullein are used as a soothing expectorant,facilitating easier removal of lung congestion. This action is idealduring or after colds where the persistence of dampness or mucusimpairs adequate lung function and clearance. Mullein soothes andstrengthens the mucosal membranes of the respiratory system wherethese have been painful, irritated or sore from infection.

Astragalus : To be used after colds or infection to rebuild immunity,Astragalus is a sweet tasting herb effective in restoring bothresilience to future respiratory infections, and efficiency ofmetabolism to ensure optimal nutrition for immune reserves to fightoff those winter chills. This herb is the best for restoring energyto the body very quickly.

Thyme: The pungent oils found in Thyme are an effective antimicrobial in the treatment of respiratory infections. When takingThyme, people often note tasting it on their breath as the oilspermeate through the respiratory system to reduce the proliferationof viruses during infections. It also warms the digestion and reducesmetabolic congestion, aiding to clear the body of conditions forinfection.

Garlic : Garlic was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, chewed byGreek Olympian athletes and thought to be essential for keepingvampires at bay! But it is also good for zapping bacteria, keepingyour heart healthy, warding off coughs and colds. Garlic is anantibiotic that can actually kill infecting bacteria and at the sametime protect the body from the poisons that are causing theinfection. It is known that the most sensitive bacterium to garlic isthe deadly Bacillus anthracis which produces the poison anthrax. Eventhe forefather of antibiotic medicine Louis Pasteur acknowledgedgarlic to be as effective as penicillin and late studies showedsimilar activity to a more modern antibiotic, chloramphenicol. Eventhe blood of garlic eaters can kill bacteria and it is also reportedthat the vapour from freshly cut garlic can kill bacteria at adistance of 20 cms!

Fenugreek: Soothes sore throat pain and coughs. From ancient timesthrough the late 19th century, fenugreek played a major role inherbal healing. Then it fell by the wayside. Now things are onceagain looking up for the herb whose taste is an odd combination ofbitter celery and maple syrup. Modern scientific research has foundthat fenugreek can help reduce cholesterol levels, control diabetesand minimise the symptoms of menopause. The ancient Greeks fed thisherb to horses and cattle. The Romans then started using it, too,calling it "Greek hay." (In Latin, "Greek hay" is foenum-graecum, andthat evolved into "fenugreek.") As fenugreek spread around theancient Mediterranean, physicians learned that its seeds, like manyseeds, contain a gummy substance called mucilage. Mixed with water,mucilage expands and becomes a gelatinous soother for irritatedtissues.

Marshmallow : Marshmallow stimulates the immune system and theproduction of white blood cells. It also soothes inflammation, slowsproduction of mucus,